XPO Logistics, a leading provider of freight transportation services, announced the successful launch of a new multimodal solution connecting the Iberian Peninsula with the UK. The service, which combines road and rail transport, was first deployed in June.

Utilising its integrated network in Europe, XPO transports goods by trailer from the Iberian Peninsula to the Perpignan rail terminal in southern France. There, the company transfers the trailer from truck to train for rail transport to the Calais terminal in northern France. At Calais, XPO customs specialists handle the formalities required for the goods to cross the English Channel through the Eurotunnel. Upon arrival at the Ashford, Kent terminal in the UK, XPO manages the final stage of last-mile transport or distribution to customer facilities.

Massimo Marsili, managing director – Southern Europe and Morocco, XPO Logistics, said: "We are proud to announce the launch of this multimodal, multinational transport solution. As an industry leader, we work hand in hand with our customers every day to promote innovative solutions that not only ensure the proper functioning of their supply chains, but also contribute to the sustainability of transport.”

XPO’s alternative multimodal solution improves on traditional road transport to the UK by increasing the shipping capacity available to customers in Spain and Portugal. In addition, the use of rail reduces the carbon footprint: each trip between Perpignan and Calais emits about 1,300 kilograms less CO2 into the atmosphere — the equivalent of the CO2 absorbed by 52 trees per year.